The funds will support critical infrastructure for Parramatta for an improved pedestrian connection through the spine of Parramatta.
The fast-track infrastructure project funding includes a pedestrian link through Parramatta CBD, linking Parramatta Square to Powerhouse Parramatta, and the foreshore.
The project will see the creation of new green public space, roughly half the size of a football field, with a new pedestrian corridor linking Parramatta Square to the Powerhouse Museum and foreshore.
The 3300m2 ‘City Garden’ will offer generous public seating and spaces for outdoor dining to support local businesses, set within a landscape of large shady trees and water-sensitive urban design gardens.
Funding has also been allocated for new intersections at George Street and Phillip Street, footpath widening and planting of new large shade trees.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“NSW needs more housing to meet our state’s, and particularly Sydney’s, housing demands. And housing needs community infrastructure to thrive.
“This project will assist us to meet our commitment to provide enabling infrastructure alongside housing.
“We need all parts of the system and all levels of government working together, focused on delivering high-quality homes with the right infrastructure and in places where people want to live.
“This project is a great example of collaboration between councils and the state that will provide the infrastructure needed to deliver thousands more new homes for people in growing communities.”
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:
“This is such an important connection for Parramatta, providing pedestrian access from the river to 4 forms of public transport in the CBD.
“This link will provide a wonderful tree-lined boulevard for pedestrians to traverse from Parramatta CBD through to the new Powerhouse Parramatta, and the foreshore.